Mikaela Ruef's combination with two WNBL superstars is set to add a major weapon to the Canberra Capitals' arsenal - one that for so long has been hidden behind closed doors.
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Ruef will return to the Capitals on a two-year deal to link up with co-captains Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo as they set their sights on a third consecutive championship.
Her signing comes after securing permanent Australian residency, overcoming the hurdle that saw Ruef sidelined last season.
The 30-year-old's WNBL comeback comes at a crucial time for the Capitals as clubs prepare for a season without imports, giving coach Paul Goriss another big body on the roster.
"We saw glimpses of that in practice [last season] that no one got to see, her combinations with Tolo and Kelsey and what that could have been like," Goriss said.
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"It's certainly important in this time of not having imports and making sure we've got depth at that position to cover off Tolo and Kelsey.
"We'll still swing Keely [Froling] into the four spot as well, but she primarily play at the three. It gives us versatility around how we play and some flexibility.
"There were other teams still interested in securing her services as an Australian, because there are not too many big Australian players of her size.
"It's good to get her back and finish some unfinished business on court and get her back for that three-peat."
Ruef fills the 10th spot on the Capitals roster for the 2020-21 season, which is slated to begin on November 20.
It leaves Goriss with two more places on the list and a handful of development deals, one of which is set to go to Shakera Reilly in her second season with the club.
But Gemma Potter could open up another spot on the roster if she elects to play college basketball at UCLA, with her opt-out date extended to October 1 - four days before Canberra start pre-season.
Ruef's signing will keep her in Canberra until the end of the 2021-22 season in a huge boost for the club's longer-term ambitions.
"Last year was a lost year for her, not playing in the WNBL," Goriss said. "Definitely securing her for two years is a big win for us."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
